On a side note:
While generally true, the java syntax is intended to be as close to C/C++'s syntax as possible, so it isn't as hard for people to switch from one to the other.
The problem is not syntax. When making any kind of software that demands a lot of processing (like starmade does), you want the code to be optimised. If the guys writing it up have more knowledge of Java than of C#, it's not up to anyone to tell them "oh, just switch, it'll be better". Over the years you learn a lot of oddities of the language you code in, neat tricks that you can do, obscure functions etc. All this can be used to squeeze every last drop of speed out of the code. It's not hard to make that switch if you're a beginner trying to get into a company, or if you're writing code for kicks. But once you actually
know how to program in a language (i.e. years of experience), you don't just switch it just like that in the middle of an important project.
why are people not familiar with programming bringing up programming related suggestions?
YES, WHY? I'd even extend that to programmers. I'm an academic programmer, I abhor Java for its origins, I'm fully behind the FOSSM, I'd love for the game to be Libre or programmed on a Libre tool. But
all of that is irrelevant, because I'm not the one programming this game. I'm a player, if Schine invites me to join them, I
might discuss that with them (probably wouldn't), otherwise it's
their business—even literally. Just because it's an open alpha and the devs reach out to the community often, it doesn't mean that the community should be offering uninvited opinion on these types of things.
Regarding Schine using their own engine—if a student asked me advice, I'd probably tell them to pick one of the engines around for a number of reasons. Just like I'd tell them to use a programming language that's already around. But Schema is not my student, nor is he some dude who sits down in his free time and makes games for kicks. I think questioning his choice of programming language/engine is as rude as going into a chef's kitchen and telling them which knives to use, or which seasoning. You just don't do that, if you dislike the food, go eat somewhere else.
So again, would I be "okay" with it? If the devs say "we will change engines", I don't even see why they should ask me if I'm "okay" with it or not. It literally is
their business, not mine.
(P.S. not hating on the OP, he probably had his reasons for asking)